Is It Against The Law For Your Utility Company To Turn Off Service During Winter

Winter Disconnection Moratorium: Frequently Asked Questions

For a printer-friendly version, please see our Fast Facts guide.

Here is a summary of frequently asked questions:

Does Indiana law prohibit utilities from disconnecting customers in the winter?
Yes, merely only on certain conditions . Nether Indiana Code eight-1-2-121, electric and natural gas utilities in Indiana may non disconnect a customer between December 1 and March 15 IF the customer is:

• Receiving assist from the federally funded Energy Help Programme (EAP), or
• Qualified for EAP funds, has formally applied for the programme at his or her local EAP intake role, and has provided the utility with written proof.

For a list of EAP intake offices past canton, click hither.

Disconnection can still happen nether certain circumstances (such equally an emergency, fraudulent employ of services, meter tampering, or if the consumer requests information technology).

Does the moratorium apply to all electric and natural gas utilities in Indiana?
Yes. It applies to investor-owned and municipal utilities, too as rural electric membership cooperatives (REMCs). Even so, it does not apply to providers of bulk fuels, such every bit propane. Information technology also does not apply to water, sewage disposal, or telecommunications service providers.

Does the moratorium waive the customer'southward responsibleness to pay his or her bills?
No. While the moratorium is aimed at helping consumers stay continued to vital services during the year's coldest months, consumers are notwithstanding responsible for paying their bills . Any client who cannot pay a utility pecker on time and in full should contact the utility immediately to make payment arrangements.

What if I can't beget the entire amount due?
If you make payment arrangements with a utility and honor the agreement, your odds of beingness asunder in the spring are dramatically lower.

The OUCC strongly urges consumers who are covered by the moratorium to go along to pay heating bills through the wintertime, even if it is only a fractional payment. A partial payment shows the utility that you are making a good-religion effort to keep your energy beak under command.

Can a utility disconnect service if at that place are small children in the home? If the temperature falls to a certain level, volition that aid preclude disconnection?
Indiana police force leaves these decisions entirely to the utility and its discretion. The just factors that qualify a consumer for the moratorium are whether a consumer receives or qualifies for EAP funds, equally described above.

Can disconnection be prevented if someone in the house has a serious health result?
The utility must postpone a disconnection for 10 days if you provide a medical argument from a licensed doctor or a public health official. For more data, please see the OUCC's Utility Service Disconnection fact sail.

How of import is information technology for me to communicate with my utility?
It'due south crucial. If yous are covered past the moratorium and have an outstanding bill with spring approaching, it is important that you lot contact your utility to make arrangements and discuss what can be washed to go on your service on.

How do I find or contact my local Customs Action Bureau (CAA)?
All Indiana counties have intake offices. In most counties, the office is the local Community Action Agency. To find your local intake office, contact the Indiana Housing & Community Development Dominance (IHCDA) at 1-800-872-0371 or click hither for a county-by-county directory.

Where else can I turn for financial help?
In all Indiana counties, you tin larn more than nearly local level resources for utility bill assistance only by dialing 211.

You lot may also be interested in:

• Utility Disconnection Rules
• Reduce Your Energy Bills
• Reduce Your Water Bill

Source: https://www.in.gov/oucc/about-your-rates/winter-disconnection-moratorium-frequently-asked-questions/

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